The Greatest "Drama, Historical fiction, Teen & Young Adult" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Teen & Young Adult

The "Teen & Young Adult" category in literature encompasses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books specifically tailored for readers aged roughly between 12 and 18 years old. These books often feature protagonists and experiences that resonate with the challenges, emotions, and transitions characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood. Themes such as identity, romance, friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery are commonly explored, with settings ranging from realistic to fantastical. The genre aims to provide a relatable and engaging reading experience, offering both escapism and insight into the complexities of growing up. While primarily targeting teenagers and young adults, these books often possess a crossover appeal, attracting adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and the fresh perspectives of youthful narratives.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

    Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the novel follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. In the midst of the horrors of war, she forms a bond with a Jewish man her foster parents are hiding in their basement. The story is narrated by Death, offering a unique perspective on the atrocities and small acts of kindness during this period. The girl's love for books becomes a metaphor for resistance against the oppressive regime.

    The 552nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Obasan by Joy Kogawa

    The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a Japanese-Canadian woman named Naomi, who reflects on her experiences during World War II. As a child, Naomi was forced into internment along with thousands of other Japanese-Canadians, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The narrative explores the themes of racism, identity, silence, and the power of memory, as Naomi grapples with the trauma of her past and the impact of her cultural heritage on her present life.

    The 841st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in New Mexico in the 1940s who navigates the challenges of adolescence, faith, and identity with the guidance of a wise old woman named Ultima. Throughout the narrative, the boy grapples with moral dilemmas, the complexities of his Mexican-American heritage, and the clash between the Catholic faith and the traditional spiritual beliefs of his ancestors. The story is a rich tapestry of folklore, spirituality, and personal growth.

    The 1255th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

    The book is a historical novel that tells the story of a Navajo man who serves in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Recruited for his unique linguistic skills, he becomes one of the Code Talkers, a group of Native American soldiers tasked with using their native language to create an unbreakable code for transmitting messages. The narrative follows his experiences of discrimination, the horrors of war, and the crucial role the Code Talkers played in the American military victories in the Pacific Theater, all while exploring themes of cultural identity, bravery, and the complex nature of patriotism.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

    In a small town during World War II, twelve-year-old Annabelle encounters a bully named Betty, whose cruel actions escalate to the point of injuring a classmate. Annabelle finds herself caught in a web of lies and secrets as she tries to protect her friend and bring justice to Wolf Hollow. This coming-of-age story explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download